There Goes the Neighborhood is the fifth solo studio album by the American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Walsh, guitarist for the Eagles. The album was released in early 1981, on the record label Asylum, three years after Walsh’s album But Seriously, Folks…. A commercial and critical success, it is generally regarded as the culmination of the smoother, more adult-oriented sound of Walsh’s solo work.

Joe Walsh‘s long and varied career has had its ups and downs, to say the least. Here, you see Walsh in good old rock form. The opening track, “Things,” pretty much defines it all: drum beat intro, a simple riff kicks in, a few synths, and then Walsh‘s lead — it’s this simple formula that gives the album its charm. This is early ’80s rock in its most entertaining and fun form. Walsh‘s lead guitar is, as always, breathtaking. The rock legend’s trademark sound is prominently featured throughout the album, and undoubtedly here he performs some of his finest solos. The only qualm that one can pick is that the whole album is in a much-similar vein. This is classic rock, though: once you start, you want more. There Goes the Neighborhood is by far one of Joe Walsh‘s greatest works, particularly from this era. Indeed, after the three-year absence in solo releases, Walsh proved himself ready and able to adapt to the sound of the time with shocking ability.

The album peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200. The album only spawned one single, “A Life of Illusion“, which would become one of Walsh’s most popular songs. The single also topped the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Side one
1. Things (5:40)
2. Made Your Mind Up (4:24)
3. Down on the Farm (3:10)
4. Rivers (Of the Hidden Funk) (5:06)

Side two
1. A Life of Illusion (3:30)
2. Bones (4:32)
3. Rockets (3:55)
4. You Never Know (5:20)